2017 Combined Federal Campaign

“We give because we care.”

2017 Combined Federal Campaign Oct. 2, 2017 –Jan. 12, 2018

2 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN | 2017

TIMES CHANGE THE MISSION DOESN’T

VBVRS.ORG CFC # 82014

2017 | COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 3

Retired Navy Commander finds continued sense of teamwork through Tour de Cure event

By Deanie Eldridge Virginia area executive director American Diabetes Association

One day after gradu‐ ating from the Uni‐ versity of Kansas with a degree in electrical engineering in Decem‐ ber 1978, Ted Shrader was commissioned as an ensign in the United States Navy. He se‐ lected the submarine service because of the caliber of individuals who would be serving beside him. From the start, being surrounded by a capable and sup‐ portive team has been important to him.

Over 28 years of service, Shrader rose to the rank of command‐ er. He served on board the USS James Madi‐ son, USS Von Steuben and USS Cincinnati, and was stationed at Norfolk and Charles‐ ton, South Carolina, over the years, includ‐ ing various shore duty assignments. He wrapped up his career at the Operational Test and Evaluation Force in Norfolk and retired in the Hampton Roads area.

Though he can’t di‐ vulge everything about his military career due to the classified nature and the tradition of the

Ted Shrader Silent Service, Shrader was the operational test coordinator respon‐ sible for the testing and approval of the new Virginia‐class attack submarine. He was also on successful deploy‐ ments vital to national security and made 13 strategic deterrent pa‐ trols during his career.

Some of his special memories of his service include steaming on the surface. He recalls that dolphins loved to play in the wave generated by the bow, demonstrating tricks of jumping and twisting.

He also fondly remem‐ bers those clear nights on the surface, with all the stars visible because of no ambient light from civilization.

A year after he retired, Shrader was

invited by friends to take on the challenge of a 100‐mile century bike ride at the Hampton Roads Tour de Cure event. Living with type 2 diabetes, he liked the idea of supporting the American Diabe‐ tes Association. “The event was spectacular, because of the support and volunteers. The next year I was invited to be on Team Red, as a Red Rider (a partici‐ pant living with diabe‐ tes),” he said.

The following year, Schrader volunteered as a team captain, be‐ cause he had more time to concentrate on grow‐ ing the team and event.

In that year, the size of Team Red Hampton Roads tripled. That suc‐ cess has inspired him to continue to serve as Team Red Captain, with the strong support of his co‐captain, Helen Gabriel.

He said he most enjoys the people his is involved with in the association.

“The camaraderie, mutual support and re‐ spect define the whole experience. As retired military, what I miss most are the people.

One makes lifetime friendships while working for a common

“ ... One makes lifetime friendships while working

for a common goal. The same applies with the American Diabetes Association Tour de Cure ... .”

Ted Shrader, Team Red Captain

goal. The same applies with the American Diabetes Association Tour de Cure. Life is a team sport. We are all in this together. With‐ out good teammates, no one succeeds.”

Shrader and his wife enjoy living in the Hampton Roads area and spending time with their two adult children and three grandchildren.

The American Diabetes Association is fortunate to have Ted Shrader as one of our key volunteer leaders for the Tour de Cure cycling event. His great spirit, passion for

the cause, and leader‐ ship skills have helped to grow community awareness around dia‐ betes and the impor‐ tance of physical activ‐ ity to maintain overall health and wellness.

The Tour de Cure event occurs each spring, and includes a ride for everyone, with distances of 10, 25, 65, and 100 miles.

If you would like addi‐ tional information about the event or the Hamp‐ ton Roads American Diabetes Association’s community efforts, please visit diabetes.org or call 757‐424‐6662 x3283.

American Diabetes Association

CFC # 6005, 74975, 11235 2017 Combined Federal Campaign Military Newspapers of Virginia

4 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN | 2017

Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters

CFC # 68517 2017 Combined Federal Campaign Military Newspapers of Virginia

Layla’s Way: A medical genetics journey Williams syndrome – a rare genetic disorder Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters that she was diagnosed Layla Annabelle, age with at birth. Williams 7, enters the auditorium syndrome is marked by a variety of medical filled with 50 doctors‐ in‐training, as a special problems, develop‐ mental delays, learn‐ guest of the pediatric ing di culties, small medical genetics de‐ partment at Children’s stature and distinctive facial features includ‐ Hospital of the King’s Daughters (CHKD). She ing a small turned‐up nose, wide mouth, full flashes her contagious lips and a small chin. smile, waves her tiny hand at the crowd and But, the strikingly social personality, gift for announces, “Hello, all language and a nity of you. I’m Layla. This is so amazing you’re all for music make these patients truly unique. here!”

During Layla’s first Layla is a happy‐go‐ year of life, the fam‐ lucky child who is ex‐ ily moved from their traordinarily outgoing. hometown in Con‐ Her personality is one necticut to southeast‐ of the characteristics of ern Virginia, where

By Heather Kent

Layla’s father, Richard, a logistics specialist with the U.S. Navy, was stationed. Upon arriv‐ ing in Virginia, Richard and his wife, Michelle, were relieved to dis‐ cover their daughter could get all the care she needed at CHKD, less than an hour from their new home. During Layla’s first visit with Dr. Samantha Vergano, a pediatric medical ge‐ neticist at CHKD, they immediately knew they were in the right place.

“Dr. Vergano was amazing and made us feel so confident in the quality of care we would receive from CHKD,” Michelle said.

“She not only had ex‐

perience with Williams syndrome, she quickly became a caring advo‐ cate for us. She coordi‐ nates all of Layla’s care, anticipating needs we may not even think of, and has connected us with wonderful special‐ ists all along the way.”

In addition to medical genetics, Layla’s CHKD care team has included specialists in cardiol‐ ogy, neurology, audi‐ ology, developmental pediatrics and therapy services. By working together to ensure her physical, emotional and developmental health throughout her child‐ hood, Layla has the best chance of reaching her full potential.

“It’s been a pleasure to watch Layla grow and thrive over the years. Other than an early speech delay, she has hit every milestone within a normal range,” Dr. Vergano said. “And, both Layla and her mother have become an amazing resource for other Williams syn‐ drome families as well as the doctors we train.”

Though Layla may always need some extra support, with the continued e orts of her family and her team at CHKD, her future is bright. Many children with Williams syn‐ drome go on to college or to jobs in a variety of Continued next page

Choose CHKD and help local kids, like Corwin.

Corwin was born 13 weeks ahead of schedule, weighing just 1 pound, 3 ounces. He spent 11 months in the neonatal intensive care unit at CHKD before going home for the first time. Today, because of the support of donors like you, Corwin is a happy, healthy 4-year-old.

Designate CHKD by using code #68517 during the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC), and help save local kids.

(757) 668-7070 CHKD.org

2017 | COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 5

Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters

fields, often using their gifts for music, language and social interaction to bring joy to others.

“We do have worries about Layla’s future, but mostly we have a lot of hope,” Michelle said. “Having access to a great care team who really understands our needs is so important, for any parent of a child with special needs or health challenges. We’re so thankful to have Dr. Vergano and CHKD. We couldn’t have ended up in a better place.”

CFC # 68517

Layla Annabelle, who has Williams syndrome, receives care at Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters.

Photo by Susan Lowe

Saving lives of veterans and pets in Hampton Roads life and give renewed purpose to the military Executive director veterans who adopt Pets for Patriots them.

We are proud to serve Since 2011, Pets for veterans from World Patriots has delivered War II to those cur‐ fidelity, joy and the rently in service, from unique gifts of pet com‐ all armed forces and at panionship to military any stage of their ca‐ families in communities reers — active, reserve throughout Hampton or separated.

Roads.

The animals adopted By partnering with through Pets for Patri‐ local shelters, rescues, ots are for companion‐ humane societies and ship and emotional municipal animal con‐ support, not service. trols, we help the most But that doesn’t make overlooked, under‐ their “work” any less valued dogs and cats important or life‐sav‐ get a second chance at

By Beth Zimmerman

ing. Quite the contrary.

The “ordinary” dogs and cats saved through our work by the veter‐ ans who adopt them are, in turn, lifesavers as well. They help lift the darkness from those su ering depression.

They ease the anxieties and unrest of invisible wounds, like Post Trau‐ matic Stress. They fill the void of loved ones who must leave young families behind during deployment. And they remind those coping with loneliness that they are not alone.

Quite simply, these animals — discarded through surrender, abuse, neglect, and other indignities of life — o er love without boundary.

Pets for Patriots is a nationally operating nonprofit organiza‐ tion, yet collectively our greatest number of veteran‐pet adop‐ tions each year take place in the Hampton Roads area, outpacing other military‐intensive communities where we operate.

We are proud to part‐

ner with outstanding animal welfare organi‐ zations that make our mission possible, in‐ cluding: Virginia Beach SPCA, Portsmouth Humane Society, Pen‐ insula SPCA, Norfolk SPCA, Norfolk Animal Care and Adoption Center, Chesapeake Humane Society, Chesapeake Feline As‐ sociation. In addition we partner with several excellent veterinarians, each of which o er re‐ duced cost care to pets adopted through our program.

The “ordinary” dogs and cats saved through our work by the veterans who adopt them are, in turn, lifesavers as well.

Pets for Patriots

CFC # 49553

2017 Combined Federal Campaign Military Newspapers of Virginia

6 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN | 2017

Union Union Mission Ministries serving poor, homeless in Mission the Hampton Roads area for 125 years Ministries a woman’s home, and Airborne Division B

By Linda C. Jones

Company, where he served in Germany, Union Mission Ministries Panama and Vietnam.

He started doing drugs In 2016 The Union Mission provided food, and drinking while he clothing, shelter and job was in the military and was addicted for sev‐ and life skills training eral years, but has been to 2,214 men, women clean for more than 30 and children in its shelters, including 1,351 years.

He got married at veterans, and provided 22 and has a daughter additional assistance to now 45 and a son who 3,660 individuals in the died when he was 50. community.

Artis’ wife passed away Sylvester Artis, in 1969, and he never age 74, was raised in remarried.

After he Southampton County, retired from the mili‐ Virginia, in a Christian tary, he drove a truck family. He dropped out and then did auto body of school in the 10th repair.

Last January he grade and enlisted in was renting a room in the Army in the 82nd Public relations director

CFC # 61126

2017 Combined Federal Campaign Military Newspapers of Virginia

it caught fire. With nowhere else to turn, he came to The Union Mission.

“I didn’t know what to expect at first. I’d never been in a shelter before, but the sta was really friendly, and I joined the Da‐ mascus Destination Program (workforce development pro‐ gram for older men).

They took care of me.

We had classes every morning, afternoon and night, and I at‐ tended Chapel ser‐ vices every day.

“I was in church as a kid but didn’t think it was that important then. At the Mission I found out you need to have God in your life.“

Photo by Linda Jones

Sylvester Artis says he doesn’t know where he would be if it weren’t for Union Mission Ministries.

Artis’ case manager helped him apply for veterans Social Secu‐ rity benefits. They also helped him get hous‐ ing through a Veterans A airs program, and he was very excited when he moved into

his new place in July.

“If it wasn’t for the Mission I don’t know where I’d be. It’s a wonderful place. The sta is great. Every‐ body goes out of their way to help you. I thank God for that.”

Publisher: Laura Baxter Editor/Designer: Karen L. Gill | 757-222-3914 Designers: Allyson Garner | Kyle Raymer Advertising: 757-222-3990 | sales@militarynews.com

The contents of this special section are not necessarily the official views of or endorsed by the U.S. government, the DoD, the DoT or the U.S. Coast Guard. Opinions of contributing writers do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Military Newspapers of Virginia or The Flagship®. The availability of these newspapers and the appearance of advertising in these publications, including any inserts and supplements, do not constitute endorsement by the federal government, the DoD, the DoT, the U.S. Coast Guard or Military Newspapers of Virginia of products or services advertised. Military Newspapers of Virginia is a private firm and is in no way connected to the DoD, the DoT or the U.S. Coast Guard.

Published by Military Newspapers of Virginia | 150 W. Brambleton Ave. Norfolk, VA 23510 | Phone: 757-222-3990 | Fax: 757-853-1634

2017 | COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 7

Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast

Women leaders help to transform Girl Scouts

By Marcy Germanotta Communications and marketing director Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast

Women leaders are helping transform Girl Scouts. They know the importance of an all‐girl program to nurture the leader that lies within each girl. Many of them were Girl Scouts as girls, such as Lt. Avery Berge, who holds a seat on the Girl Scout Coun‐ cil of Colonial Coast Board of Directors.

She also volunteers with Girl Scout pro‐ gram events to be the role model and mentor they need to succeed – because you can’t be what you can’t see.

As a girl growing up in Colorado, Berge says Girl Scouting played an important part in her leadership build‐ ing. She hiked trails, camped out under the stars and made s’mores, and went door to door in her neigh‐ borhood selling Thin Mints. With each badge earned, she learned to be a leader.

“I have some great memories, for sure,” she said. “Today, walk‐ ing through a store and getting a whi of bug

spray can bring back a camp memory. I loved being outside and get‐ ting to know other girls who were there from all walks of life. You learn a lot about yourself and others in Girl Scouts.”

Berge, a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, spent her first tour in the Navy with the USS Denver based out of Sasebo, Japan. Later, she report‐ ed to the USS Sterett, where she served as the ship’s navigator. She is currently stationed in Norfolk as an instruc‐ tor but will be leaving the area for Spain in the near future.

“Girl Scouting will be part of my military life there, too!” she said.

“I think it’s important to be part of the com‐ munity where you live.

My experience as a Girl Scout was invaluable, and I hope to bring that to others.”

Berge has loved being a mentor to girls and sharing her leader‐ ship story in Hampton Roads. As a board member, she brings a military perspective to decision making and program planning.

“Girl Scouts has

CFC # 59158 2017 Combined Federal Campaign Lt. Avery Berge talks with campers at Girl Scout Camp Apasus. been around for a long time,” she said. “It’s stayed relevant and is a great example of how an organization can impact a girl’s life.”

Moving to a new loca‐ tion can be overwhelm‐ ing and challenging for military families, Berge said.

“Joining a troop or volunteering can be a great way to get con‐ nected and find a sense of community right away,” she said.

“I think it’s important to be part of the community where you live. My experience as a Girl Scout was invaluable, and I hope to bring that to others.”

Lt. Avery Berge, Girl Scout Council of Colonial Coast Board of Directors member

Photo by Marcy Germanotta

Military Newspapers of Virginia

Be The Mentor She’ll Never Forget!

Volunteer Today at gsccc.org!

CFC #59158

8 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN | 2017

Virginia Beach SPCA

Helping military families find their forever pet companions

By Ashley Cooney Marketing coordinator

CFC # 18191

2017 Combined Federal Campaign Military Newspapers of Virginia

VBSPCA

The Virginia Beach Society for the Preven‐ tion of Cruelty to Ani‐ mals (VBSPCA) cares about veterans and military families who live in our community.

That is why we have partnered with Pets for Patriots for five years.

Pets for Patriot’s vision is to end animal home‐ lessness in the United States, while giving our military veterans and their families the great‐ est “thank you” of all the extraordinary love

of a companion pet.

This program as‐ sists active and retired military members in the adoption of adult shel‐ ter pets, large dogs, and special needs animals – those most in need of a loving, forever home.

To ease the financial costs associated with pet owner‐ship, Pets for Patriots delivers a mini‐ mum 10 percent dis‐ count for the life of the adopted pet’s care. Pets for Patriots provides access to additional cost reductions for pet basics such as food, toys, and essential supplies.

Over the five years of

partnership, we have successfully adopted 257 pets to military service members and their families through the Pets for Patriots program. Gunny, a pit bull terrier, is one of the many lucky dogs that benefited from this partnership.

Gunny was brought to the Virginia Beach SPCA when his family was moving and unable to take him along.

Not only did Gunny’s breed and size make him more challenging to be adopted, but also he was su ering from severe hip dysplasia and he was suspected to have had a previous injury and required an expensive femoral head osteotomy surgery.

Originally, we were seeking rescue for Gunny due to the expensive surgery and the prior lack of interest from potential adopters during his two months at our shelter.

With the sta and vol‐ unteers, Gunny was an over‐sized lap dog and loved getting attention.

We knew he just needed help building his con‐ fidence. We paired him with several di erent playmates, but he was still very timid in the shelter environment.

He would not ap‐ proach the front of his cage, making it dif‐ ficult for him to connect with potential adopters.

That all changed the day Joe Zavala walked through our doors.

Joe immediately felt a

VBSPCA

Joe Zavala on the day that he adopted Gunny, a pit bull terrier, from the Virginia Beach Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. connection with Gunny, and he knew that he just needed love and pa‐tience. Joe and his family came to visit Gunny at the shelter several times, each time gaining Gunny’s trust and watching him become more excited to see them with each vis‐ it. Joe knew he couldn’t leave Gunny behind, so he agreed to have Gunny’s surgery done and filled out the neces‐ sary forms to start the process of adoption. A few days later, Joe was able to welcome Gun‐ ny into their family.

Joe and his family have since updated us that Gunny is thriv‐ ing in his new life and letting his personality shine. Gunny loves to play with other dogs and his new favorite cow toy. He also has a spot on the couch, where he snuggles with his family after long walks.

Thanks to the gener‐ ous support of our com‐ munity and programs like Pets for Patriots, we are able to help pets like Gunny find loving forever homes.

Navy wife gets help during Hurricane Matthew

2017 | COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 9

By Operation Blessing International Staff

Kalynn’s husband serves in the U.S. Navy, and she is accustomed to weathering storms and celebrating mile‐ stones while he is overseas. But nothing prepared her for the impact of Hurricane Matthew.

With her husband deployed on an aircraft carrier when the his‐ toric storm hit, she was alone with her 6‐year‐ old and 3‐year‐old as floodwaters rose. Water seeped through cracks in her foundation, soaking her carpet and wood flooring.

Without flood insur‐ ance and her husband so far away, Kalynn didn’t know where to begin. She worried about the mold and mildew that was sure to set o her child’s asthma and allergies.

Though she could contact her husband on his carrier to let him know about the situa‐ tion, there was little he could do to help from afar. As she walked through their home, taking in the saturated floors, she broke down in tears.

Kalynn felt alone, but the Norfolk Emergency Manager learned about

Operation Blessing

CFC # 10530

2017 Combined Federal Campaign Operation Blessing International

Kalynn, center, is pictured with the Operation Blessing volunteers who came to her rescue while her husband was deployed in the wake of Hurricane Matthew. her situation and knew how to help. Soon, the near‐empty house was filled with the footsteps and voices of Operation Blessing International (OBI) sta and volun‐ teers ready to help this military wife and her children.

In the wake of Hurri‐ cane Matthew, OBI was hard at work in North Carolina and Virginia to help families hard‐ hit by flooding, high winds and unexpected heartache. Volunteers answered the call from

regions near and far to help fellow Americans recover by removing ruined belongings, soaked sheetrock, sog‐ gy flooring and more.

When Kalynn reached out to her husband to tell him that help had arrived, it gave him a sense of peace. Though he could not be there with his family dur‐ ing that di cult time, he knew that Opera‐ tion Blessing’s team of volunteers were right there when his family needed them most.

Volunteers answered the call from regions near and far to help fellow Americans recover by removing ruined belongings, soaked sheetrock, soggy flooring and more.

Military Newspapers of Virginia

10 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN | 2017

Chesapeake Bay Foundation

CFC # 11325

2017 Combined Federal Campaign Military Newspapers of Virginia

Military lends many hands to help save the Bay baby oysters on reefs in the York River. Others Hampton Roads director have helped construct Chesapeake Bay Foundation floating oyster cages for use in CBF’s “oys‐ Over the years, mem‐ ter gardening” project bers of the U.S. armed with citizen volunteers. forces stationed in Vir‐ Thanks to the mili‐ ginia have generously tary’s help, today there volunteered to assist are more oysters in the the Chesapeake Bay Chesapeake Bay pro‐ Foundation (CBF) in its viding food and shelter many Bay restoration for fish and crabs and activities. clearing the water of al‐ Personnel from the gae and plankton. (One U.S. Coast Guard and adult oyster can filter U.S. Air Force often 50 gallons of water a have volunteered at day, helping improve CBF’s Virginia Oyster water clarity needed by Restoration Center in important underwater Gloucester County.

Bay grasses.)

There they’ve helped CBF’s annual Clean wash and bag oyster the Bay Day, a mas‐ shells, make concrete sive one‐day stream reef balls, unload cleanup on the first oyster seed, and spread weekend in June, has

By Christy Everett

drawn hundreds of military volunteers to help pull litter and debris from Hampton Roads waterways.

According to Tanner Council, event man‐ ager, nearby Navy, Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard bases typically provide the greatest number of vol‐ unteers for the event, more than any single business or community group. This past June, an estimated 6,000 volunteers across Vir‐ ginia removed 110,000 pounds of litter and debris along some 450 miles of shoreline.

“Clean the Bay Day just would not be as successful without the generous assistance

of our partners in the armed services,” Coun‐ cil said.

The U.S. military also is increasingly engaged is the management of polluted runo , the rain and storm water that washes o streets, parking lots, build‐ ings, and lawns. This runo often sweeps dirt, grease, pet waste, fertilizers, and other chemicals directly into nearby waterways.

Polluted runo is a growing problem for Chesapeake Bay waters and reducing it is one of the key goals of the Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint, the regional plan to restore the Bay. Like cities, towns,

college campuses, and other large institutions across the Bay water‐ shed, many federal facilities, including military bases, are required by Environ‐ mental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Commonwealth of Vir‐ ginia to have five‐year stormwater permits that comply with the Clean Water Blueprint.

These facilities are now preparing action plans detailing how they will achieve compliance with their permits.

Given the number and size of military installa‐ tions in the Bay region, the military’s e orts to manage stormwater could have a signifi‐ Continued next page

2017 | COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 11

Chesapeake Bay Foundation

cant impact on the health of the Bay and its many creeks and rivers.

CBF remains grateful for the military’s ongoing support of Bay restoration, and we look forward to continuing our partner‐ ships in the months and years to come.

CFC # 11325

Guardsmen at the U.S. Coast Guard’s Milford Haven Station in Mathews, Virginia, help load oyster shells laden with “spat” (baby oysters) for placement on oyster reefs in the nearby Piankatank River.

Photo by CBF staff

2017 Combined Federal Campaign Military Newspapers of Virginia

The Bay you Love is in Trouble.

Join us in our efforts to fight pollution and save the Bay and its rivers and streams for current and future generations.

For more information, visit cbf.org or call 888/SAVEBAY.

CFC#11325

Photo: Corbis

12 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN | 2017

VersAbility VersAbility employee goes extra mile to provide Resources essential services at Joint Base Langley Eustis

CFC # 62268

2017 Combined Federal Campaign Military Newspapers of Virginia

By Sarah Bowman Director of marketing and development VersAbility Resources

Most people hear “snow day” and start thinking about hot chocolate, sled‐ ding, and relaxing at home.

When Larry Kearney hears snow day, he immediately thinks, “How am I going to get to work?”

Kearney is a switchboard operator at VersAbility’s contract at Joint Base Lang‐ ley Eustis, the East Coast Telephone Operations Consolidated Call Center (TOCCC).

He and the rest of the team handle calls for mili‐ tary bases east of the Mis‐

sissippi and connect calls to planes in flight.

He proudly served in the military and decided to stay in Hampton Roads after his retirement. Ke‐ arney’s disability made it possible for him to get a job working with VersAbility Resources, formerly known as The Arc of the Virginia Peninsula.

He loves his job and takes great pride in providing excellent customer service.

“We get calls from Iraq and Afghanistan, men and women in the military wanting to speak to their families,” Kearney said. “It is an honor to talk to them and make sure they are connected to their loved

ones.”

The Switchboard team is mission‐essential and must report to work. During se‐ vere snowstorms, the buses stopped running, and Ke‐ arney couldn’t get from his home in the Phoebus area of Hampton to Langley Air Force Base, so he walked two and a half hours in the snow.

“Our members of the military don’t get to choose whether or not to come to work, so why should I?” he said.

VersAbility Resources has been supporting people with disabilities for more than 60 years. They serve Continued next page

“Our members of

the military don’t get to choose whether or not to come to work, so why should I?” Larry Kearney, VersAbility switchboard operator at Joint Base Langley Eustis

2017 | COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 13

more than 1,500 people with disabilities in early childhood, day support, community living, and four di er‐ ent work programs.

VersAbility serves the entire Hampton Roads region, as well as the 10 counties on the Middle Peninsula.

If you work on a military base in Hamp‐ ton Roads, you’ve most likely run into a Vers‐ Ability employee and you may even work alongside them.

In addition to operat‐ ing the Switchboard at JBLE, VersAbility’s employees with dis‐ abilities also deliver military mail on the base.

At Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, VersAbility employees manufacture eyeglasses at the NOSTRA Lens Lab, provide food services at the Gal‐ ley, perform grounds maintenance at the high‐visibility areas, provide custodial services for Yorktown and Cheatham Annex, and perform hospital housekeeping at the Yorktown Clinic.

VersAbility em‐ ployees operate the Switchboard and assist with food service at the Hampton Veterans A airs Medical Center and load items onto ships of all sizes at Na‐ val Station Norfolk.

VersAbility also supports our youngest military family mem‐ bers through its Early Prevention and Inter‐ vention for Children (EPIC) program, which helps children with disabilities and delays from birth to 3 years of age.

VersAbility Resources

CFC # 62268

Photo by Timorah Beales

VersAbility’s EPIC program serves more than 800 infants and toddlers, including many from military families in Hampton and Newport News.

VersAbility works with Exceptional Fam‐ ily Member programs (EFPs) on military bas‐ es to provide supports for families relocating to the area or those in need of services.

VersAbility gives par‐ ents the resources they need to help their child succeed in school, work and life.

They serve more than 800 infants and tod‐ dlers each year, and more than half are from military families.

If you have a loved one with a disability or would like more information on VersAbility, please con‐ tact 757‐896‐6461 or visit versability.org.

Larry Kearney attended a training in Washington D.C. to learn how to advocate on behalf of people with disabilities. He also met with legislators to share how their decisions affect individuals across the country.

Photo by SourceAmerica

2017 Combined Federal Campaign Military Newspapers of Virginia

14 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN | 2017

Catholic Catholic Charities’ military volunteers are a Charities blessing to seniors in Hampton Roads area of Eastern CARES (Commu‐ the poor or working nity Assistance and poor who struggle to Virginia Resources for Seniors) get by each day.

By Tracy Fick

Director of development and marketing, Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia

CFC # 50253 2017 Combined Federal Campaign Military Newspapers of Virginia

i i i

It is especially heart‐ breaking that many se‐ Catholic Charities of niors want to maintain Eastern Virginia (CCE‐ their independence, but VA)works to strengthen can no longer drive or families throughout complete daily tasks eastern Virginia by that were once easily providing programs achieved. Mowing the and services such as grass, maintaining the pregnancy support and yard, and changing free baby supplies for light bulbs are rou‐ families in need, finan‐ tine tasks that many cial assistance, mental seniors cannot safely health counseling, and do because of age and services designed to infirmity. Also many help seniors remain in live on fixed incomes their own homes. Each with little left over to year, CCEVA serves hire help. more than 6,500 fami‐ Catholic Charities lies, most of whom are of Eastern Virginia’s

program matches se‐ niors with community volunteers who pro‐ vide free transportation to medical appoint‐ ments, shopping and other errands. The program also provides volunteers for minor home repair and yard work. Finding volun‐ teers to help with yard work for these older adults was very dif‐ ficult – until we made a connection with area military commands.

This summer, many volunteers from the USNS Lewis B. Puller, DDG 115 & DDG put in long hours mow‐ ing grass, cleaning gutters and making small repairs to fences and porch railings, which has been a major blessing to the seniors in CCEVA’s CARES Program.

Evelyn is a widowed military wife who has trouble with mobility and can no longer take care of her small yard.

Last month, volunteers, including SN Jacob Fogle, did small repairs and yard work on her modest condo.

Photo by Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia

Catholic Charities representatives from the United Methodist Church and Catholic Charities survey the damage to a home in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew.

“I can’t begin to ex‐ press how grateful I am to these Sailors,” Ev‐ elyn said. “They are a true blessing and have come to my rescue!”

Catholic Charities is grateful to all of our military volunteers who donate their time and dedication to help‐ ing those in most need

in our community.

CCEVA would not be successful in its work without their help and support.

For more information on Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia’s pro‐ grams and services, please call 757‐456‐2366 or visit www.cceva.org.

i

i

“I can’t begin to express how grateful I am

to these Sailors. They are a true blessing and have come to my rescue!”

Evelyn, widowed military spouse

2017 | COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 15

16 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN | 2017

Since 1941 In War and Peace We Have Never Forgotten You

Please Remember Us At CFC Time www.USOHRCV.COM

7 57 . 3 3 7 . 4 4 47